NFL: Ref Botched Call on Steelers Pickoff

Jan 16 2006 6:26PM

AP Photo NAD110

By DAVE GOLDBERG

AP Football Writer

The NFL said the referee made a mistake: Troy Polamalu caught the ball. The league acknowledged Monday that Referee Pete Morelli erred when he overturned on replay Polamalu's interception of a Peyton Manning pass Sunday in the playoff game between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.

Mike Pereira, the league's vice president of officiating, said in a statement that Morelli should have let the call on the field stand.

``He maintained possession long enough to establish a catch,'' Pereira said. ``Therefore, the replay review should have upheld the call on the field that it was a catch and fumble.''